Absolutism: England
- James I: Divine Right of Kings, France had an easier time creating an absolutist monarchy because the only thing the French monarchy desired was high social status that only the king could provide. France also had richer fertile making them far less dependent upon trade. England relied heavily upon trade and as a result, the nobility required a large say in the policy and rule.
- Charles I tried to impose a further tax upon the people in order to provide money to create a stronger navy, however, he failed and ultimately caused a revolution. Charles further stirred up the nation when he decided to wipe out the Scottish presbyterians for which he needed more money. Parliament denied his request and as a result Charles disbanded Parliament and began directly taxing cities.
- Oliver Cromwell led the revolution against Charles and in time came to run England as a puritan dictator. He is later deposed in favor of Charles II, whose son James II is a catholic believer in the divine right of kings, he is deposed and Mary is made queen.
- Political system was that a small elite controlled the country's policies and institutions, however there were two opposing parties competing for control of Parliament, the Whigs who were opposed to the crown's best interests as well as Catholicism, and the Tory party who stood for independence and authority of the crown and strongly supported the Anglican church.
- In order to support wars abroad, the English were taxed hevily and and were constantly required provide troops for the ever-expanding army and navy.
- During the Hanoverian Dynasty the crown became increasingly disinterested in British politics due to the fact that both George I and II did not speak fluent english, and as a result of all this, Parliament grew in power.